Lock It or Lose It

A Nationwide Crime Program

Lock It or Lose It! is a national crime prevention program to encourage drivers to take a few simple precautions to make sure valuables are not stolen from their vehicles.

In Oak Forest, the goal of the program is to reduce vehicular burglaries by creating awareness of the need to properly secure vehicles so that thieves do not have an opportunity to steal valuables.

Did You Know?

A thief can steal valuables from your vehicle in less than 30 seconds.

It takes less than 20 seconds for you to remove them.

A vehicle with an unlocked door or an open window is an easy target.

How the Program Works

Because the program's overall objective is to create awareness, the Oak Forest Police Department will create and distribute public service announcements on the city's cable channel, website, Facebook page, Twitter feed, and e-newsletter to encourage residents to secure their vehicles at all times. At times, Oak Forest police officers also will place inspection cards on all vehicles in selected areas to notify drivers if they leave their valuables in plain view, their windows open or their doors unlocked, and encourage them to better secure their vehicles in the future. The cards also will congratulate drivers who properly secure their vehicles.

What You Can Do

You can protect your valuables (phone, laptop, tablet, wallet, purse, etc.) from theft by following these simple precautions:

Always lock your vehicle's doors and remove valuables or at least keep them out of sight.

Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is unlocked.

If you have a garage, use it and lock the door.

Never leave your car keys in plain view or in an easily accessible area.

Use tire and/or wheel locks.

If you must leave valuable objects or packages in your vehicle, lock them in the trunk.

Park in well lit areas when possible.

Avoid parking near large vehicles and bushes as they provide cover for thieves.

Call 911 if you see somebody looking into windows, pulling door handles or checking for alarms by bumping windows or bumpers.

Hours

Monday thru Friday9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays: Click here
The City Hall Clerk's Office is open one Saturday a month (except June).
Holiday Schedule: Click here
After Hours: All payments can be dropped in the Night Depository Mail slot to the right of the City Hall main entrance.